Prospective RELOC-AGE: Baseline data from a longitudinal mixed-methods study exploring associations of housing, relocation and active ageing in Sweden

• Introduction: To inform the design of policies and societal support related to housing, knowledge is needed about how housing and relocation are associated with active ageing and health outcomes. The objectives of Prospective RELOC-AGE are to study housing choices and relocation and explore effects on active ageing among men and women aged 55+ in Sweden considering relocation. Material and Methods: Recruitment included people aged 55+ listed with an interest for relocation at either of three housing companies. A two-level longitudinal mixed-methods design included a survey and a telephone interview for the baseline data collection. The questions related to present housing and neighbourhood, relocation plans and expectations, a range of perspectives on active and healthy ageing, and demographics. Exploratory and inferential statistics are applied to investigate how personal and neighbourhood-level characteristics are associated with active ageing and health outcomes such as life-space mobility and self-rated health.Results: The sample (n = 1966) included 56% women, mean age 70 years. Preliminary analyses indicated that 83% rated their health has good or better, 53% lived in apartments. Several reasons for signing up with an interest for relocation were reported. Further analyses will broaden the scope of baseline sample characteristics, and associations with active ageing, life-space mobility and self-rated health will be explored.Conclusions: Prospective RELOC-AGE has the capacity to generate new policy-relevant knowledge on associations of housing, relocation and active ageing relevant for the development of proactive approaches to housing in old age on the individual, group as well as societal levels.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Annan hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Other Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)